Eastern Michigan Athletics
Football Opens Fall Camp Ahead of 2024 Campaign
7/31/2024 9:13:00 PM | Football
Eastern conducted its first practice of the 2024 season with eyes toward building on recent success
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Chris_Creighton Video Interview.
YPSILANTI, Mich. (EMUEagles.com) — The Eastern Michigan University football team took to the field for the first day of fall camp, under a stunning blue sky and with palpable excitement in the air at Rynearson Stadium. Head Coach Chris Creighton, brimming with optimism, shared his immediate thoughts on the initial practice opportunity and the journey ahead for his team.
"Day one was fantastic," Coach Creighton enthused. "We've got 119 guys that want to be here, want to get better, and are really coming together." The coach's pride in his team's unity and eagerness was clear as he reflected on the day's events. The positive energy started with a series of productive meetings the previous night and carried over into the morning's practice.
However, transitioning from summer workouts to actual football activities presented its own set of challenges. "Our strength staff is an A-plus. They're excellent at what they do," Creighton praised. "But now you're playing football. You can't simulate that." With only 16 periods of practice scheduled for the day, the focus was on acclimating players to the physical demands of the game. "We're really wise with how we structure it so that our guys can get acclimated," he added, emphasizing the importance of adapting to the rigorous pace and physicality of football practice.
A significant portion of the team is new, bringing fresh faces and perspectives, but also the challenge of maintaining and growing the team culture amidst this change. "How do you maintain and even grow your culture in the midst of college football these days where there is so much transition and whatnot?" Creighton pondered. The solution lies in the strength of EMU's existing culture. "We have a very strong culture that everybody who's been with the program knows, understands, and frankly believes in and loves."
The commitment to this culture is not just about tradition but about intentional recruitment. "We recruit to that. We make sure people understand who we are, how we do it, why we do it. And then we're attracting those guys," Creighton explained. This approach ensures that even new team members quickly become integrated into the EMU football ethos. "Our leaders lead, and whether a guy's in his last year but his first year with us, he wants to be a part of what we're doing and how we do it."
This year's theme, "BET," is more than just a word emblazoned on shirts and scoreboard. It embodies the principles that have guided EMU football for over a century. "It goes back to the 130-plus years of football at Eastern Michigan," Creighton said. The theme encapsulates belief, the pursuit of excellence, and doing it together — components that are foundational to championship programs.
Adding to the excitement of the day was practicing on Maxx Crosby Field for the first time. "It looks like a football stadium and it feels like a football stadium. It's beautiful," Creighton noted, his pride in the upgraded facility evident. "We all appreciate it and want to make this first season on it special."
As day one of fall camp concluded, it was clear that the Eagles are not just preparing for another season. They are building on a legacy, fostering a strong team culture, and stepping into a new era with a renewed sense of purpose and unity. With Coach Creighton at the helm, the 2024 season promises to be a memorable one for Eastern Michigan University football.
Chris_Creighton Video Interview.
YPSILANTI, Mich. (EMUEagles.com) — The Eastern Michigan University football team took to the field for the first day of fall camp, under a stunning blue sky and with palpable excitement in the air at Rynearson Stadium. Head Coach Chris Creighton, brimming with optimism, shared his immediate thoughts on the initial practice opportunity and the journey ahead for his team.
"Day one was fantastic," Coach Creighton enthused. "We've got 119 guys that want to be here, want to get better, and are really coming together." The coach's pride in his team's unity and eagerness was clear as he reflected on the day's events. The positive energy started with a series of productive meetings the previous night and carried over into the morning's practice.
However, transitioning from summer workouts to actual football activities presented its own set of challenges. "Our strength staff is an A-plus. They're excellent at what they do," Creighton praised. "But now you're playing football. You can't simulate that." With only 16 periods of practice scheduled for the day, the focus was on acclimating players to the physical demands of the game. "We're really wise with how we structure it so that our guys can get acclimated," he added, emphasizing the importance of adapting to the rigorous pace and physicality of football practice.
A significant portion of the team is new, bringing fresh faces and perspectives, but also the challenge of maintaining and growing the team culture amidst this change. "How do you maintain and even grow your culture in the midst of college football these days where there is so much transition and whatnot?" Creighton pondered. The solution lies in the strength of EMU's existing culture. "We have a very strong culture that everybody who's been with the program knows, understands, and frankly believes in and loves."
The commitment to this culture is not just about tradition but about intentional recruitment. "We recruit to that. We make sure people understand who we are, how we do it, why we do it. And then we're attracting those guys," Creighton explained. This approach ensures that even new team members quickly become integrated into the EMU football ethos. "Our leaders lead, and whether a guy's in his last year but his first year with us, he wants to be a part of what we're doing and how we do it."
This year's theme, "BET," is more than just a word emblazoned on shirts and scoreboard. It embodies the principles that have guided EMU football for over a century. "It goes back to the 130-plus years of football at Eastern Michigan," Creighton said. The theme encapsulates belief, the pursuit of excellence, and doing it together — components that are foundational to championship programs.
Adding to the excitement of the day was practicing on Maxx Crosby Field for the first time. "It looks like a football stadium and it feels like a football stadium. It's beautiful," Creighton noted, his pride in the upgraded facility evident. "We all appreciate it and want to make this first season on it special."
As day one of fall camp concluded, it was clear that the Eagles are not just preparing for another season. They are building on a legacy, fostering a strong team culture, and stepping into a new era with a renewed sense of purpose and unity. With Coach Creighton at the helm, the 2024 season promises to be a memorable one for Eastern Michigan University football.
Season Ticket Information
- Ultimate Fan Season Tickets: $180 for chairback seats on the 50-yard line, with VIP parking.
- Reserved Season Tickets: $120.
- General Admission Season Tickets: $108.
- Faculty, Staff, and Young Alumni Season Tickets: $84.
- E-Club Membership: $200, includes season tickets for football, men's basketball, and women's basketball games.
- Alumni Season Value Pack: $240 for four tickets per game.
- VIP Parking: $60 at the George Gervin GameAbove Center parking lot.
For more information or to purchase tickets, fans can contact the Eastern Athletics Ticket Office at 734.487.3669.
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